Women and Alternative Sentencing

A special programme examining alternatives to prison for low-risk female offenders. Jane Garvey talks to staff and clients at the Anawim Women's Centre in Birmingham.

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A special programme examining alternatives to prison for low-risk female offenders.The numbers of women sent to prison has increased significantly over the past ten years, despite numerous studies showing that community solutions which address the causes of women's offending are more effective than custodial sentences. Are community solutions the way forward or a soft option?Jane Garvey talks to staff and clients at the Anawim Women's Centre in Birmingham. Helen Grant MP, Justice Minister explains the government's new strategy for women offenders. Jane is joined in the studio by Alan Beith MP, Chair of the Justice Select Committee, which is about to publish a report on Women Offenders; Joy Doal, Anawim's Project Manager; and Jenny Earle, director of the Prison Reform Trust's programme to reduce women's imprisonment.

Who are the women who use Women's Centres?

Jan Garvey talks to the clients and staff at the Anawim Women’s Centre in Birmingham

Duration: 12:47

Alternative Sentencing

What are the alternatives to custodial sentences & how do you ensure crimes are punished?

Duration: 06:43

Justice Minister Helen Grant

The Minister has said she wants to see fewer women incarcerated. What is her strategy?

Duration: 11:30

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Women's Centres

Approximately 13,500 women are sent to prison each year in the UK, and the number of women in prison has increased significantly over the past decade. This is despite reports dating back to 2000, which show that community solutions that address the causes of women’s offending are more effective than prison sentences. Woman’s Hour visited the Anawim Woman’s Centre in Birmingham to see how alternative sentencing for low risk women offenders can work. We hear from some of the clients and the women who work there, and Helen Grant MP, Justice Minister explains the government’s new strategy for women offenders.